This medieval German town has a 13th-century cathedral and was once a key member of the Hanseatic League. Located on the Saale River, it's part of the Romanesque Road.
In Naumburg, you can walk through streets lined with 16th-century merchant houses, see the famous statue of Uta in the 13th-century cathedral, and taste wines from hillside vineyards along the Saale and Unstrut rivers. The town comes alive during the annual Cherry Festival, when local children distribute cherries throughout the streets, continuing a tradition from a 16th-century siege.
Naumburg Cathedral
The twin-towered cathedral rises above Naumburg's rooftops, with its Romanesque nave leading to two Gothic choirs. In the west choir, you'll find the cathedral's main attraction: twelve life-sized founder statues, created by the "Naumburg Master" workshop between 1242 and 1248. Look for the statue of Uta of Ballenstedt, known for its intricate details of medieval dress and facial expression. You can explore the cloisters, gardens, and curia buildings within the medieval precinct walls. The visitor center offers daily guided tours in German (adults €9.50, students €6.00).
Town Center
Walk the winding streets that follow ancient trade routes - the Via Regia and Regensburg Road - to discover Renaissance-era merchant houses. In the market square, you'll see buildings with their original 16th and 17th-century facades, wooden beam work, and decorated doorways. Many houses still display the wide entrances and storage rooms that merchants used for their goods.
Wine and Festivals
Visit local wineries in the Saale-Unstrut region, where vintners grow grapes on terraced hillsides first planted by Benedictine monks. During the last weekend of June, join the Cherry Festival celebrations in Naumburg's squares. Watch parades with medieval costumes, browse craft markets, and listen to music performances. Local children wear traditional dress and hand out cherries to visitors, commemorating the 16th-century event when children's pleas reportedly saved the town during a siege.
Walking Routes
Follow the yellow scallop shell markers of the Camino de Santiago through Naumburg and into the surrounding countryside. The marked paths connect you to riverside castles and monasteries along the Saale and Unstrut. Signs guide you through working vineyards and past medieval churches, with route maps available at the tourist office. Many paths form circular routes, letting you return to Naumburg within a few hours.
